Uninsured Or Underinsured Flood Damage? FEMA/State Aid May Help
Registering with FEMA is only way to apply for FEMA/State disaster assistance
Release Date: May 9, 2007
Release Number: 1695-008
» More Information on New Hampshire Severe Storms and Flooding
PORTSMOUTH, N.H. - Disaster recovery officials are urging those who sustained damages to their personal or business properties as a result of the severe storms and flooding occurring April 15-23 to register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for disaster aid whether they had insurance or not and even if they reported the damage to local officials.
"We hope residents with flood-damaged homes or businesses will apply for assistance now, in case their insurance does not cover flood damage," said Albie Lewis, federal coordinating officer in New Hampshire for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). "It's an easy 20-minute call or online application and it gets people in the system in the event that their insurance settlement does not cover losses that may be eligible under FEMA's assistance programs."
Residents may apply for assistance by logging on to www.fema.gov or calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). The number for those with speech or hearing impairment is 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) and both lines are open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., daily. Disaster aid may include financial assistance to pay for temporary housing, emergency repairs, and serious, unmet needs. Additionally, low-interest disaster loans are available from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for uninsured or underinsured damages to homes, personal property and businesses.
"People who have reported damages to local officials or the American Red Cross must register with FEMA to be eligible for federal and state disaster assistance," said Michael Poirier, state coordinating officer, New Hampshire Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM). "We are working closely with FEMA to provide a broad range of disaster aid programs to help people recover and rebuild here, including those who may have had insurance but whose losses are not fully covered but first they must apply with FEMA."
FEMA disaster assistance covers basic needs only and will not normally compensate victims for their entire loss. For those with insurance, the government may help pay for basic needs not covered by insurance. FEMAs temporary housing assistance and grants for public transportation expenses, medical and dental expenses, and funeral and burial expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, an applicant must complete an SBA loan application to be eligible for assistance that covers real estate, business losses, personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.
FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.
New Hampshire Homeland Security and Emergency Management is responsible for coordinating the state's emergency response to major natural and manmade disasters.
Last Modified: Tuesday, 05-Jun-2007 11:45:33